Media Release
Ontario’s Business Advocate Supports the Responsible Distribution of Cannabis in a Private Retail Model
August 13, 2018(Toronto, August 13, 2018) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the following statement in response to the new Cannabis Retail Model announced by the Ontario Ministry of Finance this afternoon.
“The OCC supports the Government of Ontario’s commitment to developing a private retail model for the responsible sale of cannabis in licensed retailers. The OCC has advocated for a private-sector, licensing-based, and locally-oriented approach for the distribution of recreational cannabis since commitments for legalization were made by the federal government in 2016.
“We would like to stress that safety and social responsibility must be the first and overwhelming priorities of any distribution system, taking into account larger concerns about the underground economy, health and safety, and the administrative impact on municipalities.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government during their consultation process with all stakeholders to ensure this approach is carefully designed to grow Ontario’s economy and build shared prosperity for all.”
Blueprint Letters for Making Ontario Open for Business
In July, the OCC wrote to each provincial Cabinet minister, outlining a blueprint to execute over the next four years that will help make Ontario open for business. In these letters, we asked that the current plan for distribution be re-evaluated prior to the October 17 legalization date, and consider the following principles in the process of policy design:
- Eliminate the underground economy;
- Limit points of access;
- Empower communities;
- Invest in addiction prevention and treatment; and
- Ensure products are subject to best-practice health regulation.
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To read the blueprint letters to Cabinet Ministers please click here.
For more information please contact:
Ceara Copps – Edwards
Communications Advisor
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
647-243-3562
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca